Buy the iPad Air 5 or opt for the previous model? That’s the question many are asking after Apple’s “Peek Performance” presentation. Yes, we are aware of the changes brought by the company’s new product, but, which one is worth it for the average user? What has changed between the iPad Air 2022 and 2020? Are the reasons enough to pay more, or is it better to opt for the old model?
Today, we are going to answer all your questions with our comparison. This way you will know whether to choose the fifth generation iPad Air, or better take advantage of the discounts of the previous model. Although this new version is identical to its predecessor, Apple has reserved the most important changes for the interior of the device.
The iPad Air has always been a device known for delivering balance between performance and attractive price. Indeed, with the inclusion of the M1 chip in this new generation, the device is able to match its big brother, the iPad Pro, in terms of performance.
Comparison table: iPad Air 5 vs iPad Air 4
iPad Air 5 (2022) | iPad Air 4 (2020) | |
Price | 679 € | 649 € |
Dimensions | 9.74×7×0.24 462.66 grams |
24.74 x 17.78 x 0.61cm 453.59 grams |
Processor | M1 | A14 bionic |
Storage room | 64 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 256 GB |
Screen | 10.9 inch liquid retina | 10.9 inch liquid retina |
Resolution | 2360 x 1640 resolution at 264 dpi | 2360 x 1640 resolution at 264 dpi |
True Tone | Yes | Yes |
P3 color range | Yes | Yes |
face time camera | 12MP ultra-wide angle | FaceTime HD 7MP |
Centered framing | Yes | No |
Rear camera | 12MP wide-angle | 12MP wide-angle |
Video | 4K 24/30/60fps, Slow motion 1080p 240fps |
4K 24/30/60fps, Slow motion 1080p 240fps |
connectivity | 5G (sub-6GHz), Gigabit-class LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi 6 |
Gigabit-class LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi 6 |
ports | USB-C | USB-C |
Biometrics | Touch ID | Touch ID |
Battery | until 10 a.m. | until 10 a.m. |
Colors | Space Gray, Starry White, Pink, Purple, Blue | Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Light Blue, Green |
Apple Pencil 2 support | Yes | Yes |
smart connector | Yes | Yes |
Screen
Despite all the rumors that we’ll see an OLED display on the iPad Air 5, that didn’t happen. Apple has opted for the same panel that we already knew in the previous version, with LED lighting and 2360 x 1640 pixel resolution. It also offers the same level of brightness with 500 nits, P3 color gamut and True Tone.
Of course, the iPad Air 2022 is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, just like its predecessor. In this section, we will find a fairly similar, if not identical, experience.
Processor
This is the really innovative section of the iPad Air 5. The newest iteration of the family comes to bet on the M1, the same processor that we have already seen in some Mac computers and in the iPad Pro of 2021. It has ‘a 8-core GPU and CPU and one neural engine 16 cores to provide great power to the tablet.
Suddenly, the iPad Air of 2022 manages to accumulate a 60% more performance compared to the 2020 model. On the other hand, it is twice as fast as its predecessor, so you will have no problem editing videos, playing games or doing any activity that requires a lot of power.
Instead, the iPad Air 2020 incorporates a A14 bionic chip. This processor has 6 cores, two for performance and four for high efficiency. Like the new model, this device offers a 16-core neural engine.
Of course, it is clear which is more powerful between the two models. You’re not going to miss too much with the fourth-generation iPad Air, but if you make the jump to the newer proposition, you will have a much more durable device over time; and able to perform much heavier tasks.
As for the proof of Geekbench, there is also no doubt about the winner. However, The results were impressivethe iPad Air 5 almost doubling the points obtained by its little brother.
Single core | multicore | metal score | |
iPad Air 5 | 1,706 | 7,219 | 21,199 |
iPad Air 4 | 1,583 | 4,210 | 12,450 |
cameras
In this section we will also find some changes, although quite subtle. As for the main camera of the iPad Air 5, on paper we see that it is identical to that of its predecessor. So we have a 12 MP wide-angle sensor, with a focal aperture of f/1.85x digital zoom and Smart HDR 3 for photos.
Regarding the video, we will have that both are capable of recording at 4K 60 FPS you slow down 1080p and 240fps, not to mention the 3x digital zoom. However, the iPad Air 5 has extended dynamic range for videos up to 30 FPS.
The front camera has improvements. The 7 MP FaceTime HD sensor in the iPad Air 2020 has been replaced by one of the 12 MP and ultra wide angle. Additionally, a double digital zoom has been added. Thanks to this new camera, the iPad Air 2022 has Center Framing function which we have already seen in other Apple products.
Like its rear camera, the iPad Air 5 can record with high dynamic range in videos up to 30 FPS. It also has digital image stabilization and the ability to record in 1080p, just like the previous version.
Battery
Although generally a change of processor also modifies the level of consumption of a device; this will not be the case with the iPad Air 5.
We’ll meet again autonomy that extends up to 10 hours in tasks like diffusion video, web browsing using Wi-Fi and others. However, if we use mobile data, this duration will be reduced by one hourthat’s a total of 9 hours of use from the iPad Air 5.
capacity and price
The iPad Air 5 and the fourth generation can be found in different versions. Each of them will vary in terms of price, storage capacity and connectivity technology. Of course, 5G-enabled versions will see their final cost increase, so keep that in mind.
- iPad Air 5, 64 GB, Wi-Fi: 679 €
- iPad Air 5, 64 GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular: 849 €
- iPad Air 5, 256 GB, Wi-Fi: 849 €
- iPad Air 5, 256 GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular: €1,019
For its part, the 4th generation iPad Air has gone on sale at a price slightly lower that of his successor.
- iPad Air 4, 64GB, Wi-Fi: 649 €
- iPad Air 4, 64GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular: 789 €
- iPad Air 4, 256 GB, Wi-Fi: 789 €
- iPad Air 4, 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular: 959 €